Evaluation: Wilderness Vumbura Plains (Okavango Delta, Botswana)

Wednesday newsletters at all times function a resort or flight overview.

Early July, I loved one in every of my greatest holidays ever, an ultra-luxe safari in Botswana with Wilderness, Africa’s award-winning, main eco-tourism firm. My actual itinerary with Wilderness in Botswana will be discovered right here (this web site additionally permits you to e-book the identical journey). You possibly can learn my journey reviews right here:

Right now: Evaluation of Wilderness Vumbura Plains (Okavango Delta, Botswana)

Vumbura Plains gives vacationers a chic African wilderness journey, with arguably the most effective wildlife encounters in Botswana’s Okavango Delta. A contemporary-style safari camp that wouldn’t look misplaced in an structure journal, Wilderness Vumbura Plains is designed and operated in whole empathy with its various environment. Partnerships with native communities on this area of the Okavango Delta have created empowerment alternatives whereas permitting company entry to its many treasures. Fourteen gentle, ethereal visitor suites function designer fittings and touches of unabashed luxurious, together with personal plunge swimming pools and salas, in addition to indoor and outside showers. Safari actions give attention to day and night time sport drives by way of quite a lot of game-rich terrains. Seasonal water actions will be very rewarding.

Have you ever ever stayed at Wilderness Vumbura Plains? In that case, what was your expertise? Go away a remark.

On this overview (extra data and pictures under my YouTube video):

PROS & THINGS I LIKE

Wilderness Vumbura Plains is likely one of the high lodges within the Okavango Delta – a World Heritage Website as it’s the largest inland delta on this planet – within the northwestern nook of Botswana. The magnificent Okavango River sprawls out over the dry sands of the Kalahari Desert forming this flourishing waterlogged oasis that includes numerous meandering waterways and crystal clear lagoons studded with water lilies, in addition to fertile floodplains and reeded islands inhabited with considerable wildlife. Guests within the Okavango Delta can take pleasure in numerous great actions reminiscent of sport viewing, fishing, fowl watching or taking an genuine guided mokoro tour by way of this wetland paradise in a conventional dugout canoe. Generally noticed animals embody: lion, rhino, leopard, giraffe, hippos, elephants, crocodiles and numerous species of fowl.

Wilderness Vumbura Plains lies within the far north of Botswana’s Okavango Delta. The lodge is situated in a 60 000-hectare personal wilderness space identified for its glorious wildlife recognizing alternatives and water actions. The enthralling mopane bushveld and huge floodplains are dwelling to an enormous variety of animal species, together with wild canine, lion, hyena, and leopard (these species are essentially the most generally noticed) in addition to giraffes, elephants, Burchell’s zebra, and quite a few antelope species. The reserve gives day and night time sport drives, in addition to guided walks and images excursions. Fringing the world-famous Moremi Recreation Reserve, the lodge’s personal wildlife reserve is adorned with everlasting waterways, tree islands, and swamps – offering the possibility for kayaking, boat excursions, and fowl recognizing.

Wilderness Vumbura Plains is reached by gentle plane from close by Maun (or from different Wilderness lodges). The bush aircraft flies at low altitude over golden-grassed floodplains, framed by lush palm islands, which might be inhabited by a staggering number of wildlife which will be noticed from a fowl’s-eye perspective. For the flights, Wilderness makes use of its personal fleet of Cessna plane. Wilderness Air has gained a repute for steadfast operations and glorious visitor service, revered for its diversified fleet of sunshine plane suited to land on filth airstrips in distant areas and for its group of passionate, skilled pilots devoted to company’ security, consolation, and satisfaction. In Maun, company awaiting their flights or transfers have full entry to the Wilderness Lounge, which is situated in a constructing adjoining to the airport. The lounge gives seating and eating amenities in its totally air-conditioned house. Wi-Fi, showers, snacks and drinks.

Wilderness Vumbura Plains is made up of two satellite tv for pc safari camps – North Camp and South Camp – that are run semi-independently and related by an elevated, timber walkway that hangs over the floodplain. Though North and South Camp have a barely completely different format, they each are very related in design and have equivalent amenities. Every camp contains seven massive pool suites: all suites on the South Camp are single bed room suites whereas two of the seven suites at North Camp are designed with households in thoughts (every with two bedrooms). On the coronary heart of each camps is a communal pavilion, with massive indoor and outside residing & eating areas, a bar and sunken lounges. Each camps embody expansive vistas throughout the huge floodplains and its native wildlife.

Wilderness Vumbura Plains underwent an in depth refurbishment of its exteriors and interiors in 2022. All furnishings was changed or enhanced to mix into the African bush, leading to a refreshed feel and appear that showcases a way of place and tradition. The camp’s fashionable design is greatest described as fashionable, natural and minimalist, with numerous design parts bringing nature inside. The open-sided lounges at each camps boast paintings, screens, and maps on the Delta’s formation and the huge vary of life it helps. One complete lounge wall is hung with colourful domestically woven baskets, whose various patterns inform completely different tales or depict specific animal patterns. The camp’s muted earth coloration palette flows in shades of turquoise, blue, purple, and inexperienced, paying homage to the encompassing wilderness.

Wilderness Vumbura Plains’ 14 luxurious suites are cut up equally between noth satellite tv for pc camps (North & south Camp), with all suites spaced properly aside and raised up on decks. Every suite options a big outside deck with a shaded lounge space, some solar beds, and a plunge pool. Inside, every suite options excessive thatched ceilings, an enormous kingsize mattress, a sunken lounge space, and an ensuite open-plan toilet with double self-importance and indoor- & outside showers. Enlarged underwater images by Andrea Crawford adorn clad wardrobe doorways and bathe screens. Redesigned doorways and home windows all through maximise expansive views of the floodplains, ilala palms, and small islands. The suites function all 5 star amenities you’d count on in a top-notch lodge, reminiscent of WiFi and a mini bar, stocked filled with complimentary beers, wine, and spirits.

All meals at Vumbura Plains are included within the room charge. The lodge’s delicacies is carefully aligned with conventional native fare. The delicious eating choices rejoice the scrumptious native, seasonal components of the area, its traditions and Wilderness’ partnerships with the native farmers, suppliers and artisans. Substances are bought domestically, thereby lowering the meals miles inherent in each meal, and offering neighboring communities with an alternate income stream. Every meal is a journey into the tradition and traditions of the folks of northern Botswana, whereas in-camp interplay with cooks and repair employees brings the tales and proverbs related to every dish to life. Signature dishes use the normal powdered root of the Okavango waterlily, ‘tswii’. Native ‘phapata’ bread cooked over the morning camp fireplace is an early morning safari staple.

The 60 000-hectare Vumbura Plains Non-public Wilderness Space is leased from 5 villages by way of the Okavango Group Belief (OCT), a partnership that spans 20 profitable years of impactful conservation tourism within the space. The advantages of income technology, job creation, and various sources of revenue are shared with its neighboring rural stakeholders. The OCT was fashioned in 1996 to signify the pursuits of the camp’s 5 neighbouring villages – Seronga, Gunotsoga, Eretsha, Beetsha and Gudigwa – within the japanese panhandle of the Okavango Delta. In co-operation with the Botswana Authorities and numerous stakeholders, it distributes funds for neighborhood upliftment and assist to those distant northern communities. Greater than 150 staff from OCT villages are employed throughout Wilderness camps.

Vumbura’s prolific wildlife and diversified habitats – mopane, acacia woodland, floodplains and everlasting swamp – provide company an thrilling year-round water- and land-based actions within the Okavango Delta with extraordinary sport viewing. Wilderness experiences embody day and night time sport drives in 4WD safari autos, bush walks and mokoro rides (dugout canoes), in addition to scenic helicopter flights and scorching air ballooning. It makes Vumbura Plains one of the crucial unique locations within the Okavango Delta for the discerning adventure-seeker. Vumbura Plains’ distinctive neighborhood concession settlement implies that lots of the skilled guides right here grew up on this space, including an additional layer of authenticity and cultural relevance to their skilled monitoring and identification expertise. Each visitor’s expertise is tailor-made to swimsuit their specific pursuits.

Wilderness Vumbura Camp is managed by Wilderness Safaris, one in every of my favourite safari corporations. Wilderness was based in 1983 in Botswana by two younger guides, who needed to make sure each conservation of wildlife areas and that the monetary advantages of their safaris move to Botswana and its folks. Right now, Wilderness Safaris is broadly acclaimed because the continent’s foremost ecotourism operator, devoted to conserving and restoring Africa’s wilderness and wildlife. They do that by creating life-changing journeys in among the most distant and pristine areas in Africa, hereby serving to to preserve Africa’s spectacular biodiversity and share ecotourism’s advantages with the native communities. Jao will be mixed with a keep at Wilderness’ different lodges in Botswana to create an genuine and evocative desert expertise, from Jao and Mombo to DumaTau within the far north.

CONS & THINGS TO KNOW

Opposite to different Wilderness premium safari camps in Botswana (DumaTau, Jao and Mombo), Vumbura Plains doesn’t function communal wellness- and leisure amenities, reminiscent of a pool space, spa or gymnasium. The thought is that company calm down at their huge suites in between safari actions, the place they will take pleasure in their personal plunge swimming pools overlooking the flood plains. And whereas there isn’t a devoted spa, company can request in-tent therapeutic massage therapies (at a further price). These safari therapeutic massage therapies are fairly common, so make sure you e-book your session whenever you arrive. The suites on the camp additionally embody a gym-in-a-basket, consists of an train mat, weights and resistance bands. And whereas there aren’t devoted leisure amenities on the lodge, don’t miss out on the excellent curio store (situated between North & South Camp) because it’s the most effective in Botswana.

The suites at Wilderness Vumbura Plains are spaced properly aside alongside the boardwalk, so this will imply lengthy up-and-down strolls whenever you’re staying in one of many suites additional away from the principle lodge. You probably have difficulties strolling, make sure that to tell the employees upfront and request a set nearer to the principle lodge.

Wilderness Vumbura Plains is not fenced off, so company are required to be vigilant always. Leopards, lions, buffalos, and elephants are current within the Okavango Delta, and there’s no bodily obstacle to them coming into the world across the lodge. Certainly not are company allowed to stroll across the lodge at night time, until accompanied by a employees member. Don’t worry although because it’s all a part of the joy of being immersed in a real African safari.

Wilderness Vumbura Plains can solely be reached by small plane, both from Maun (a 30 min flight) or instantly from one of many different Wilderness Camps within the space. The considered flying in a small one-engine aircraft could make some vacationers – together with myself – nervous. That stated, the flight itself is spectacular and gives phenomenal views of the delta, with wildlife gathering or galloping under. Additionally, Wilderness Air – the flying wing of Wilderness – is revered for its diversified fleet of sunshine plane suited to land on filth airstrips in distant areas and for its group of passionate, skilled pilots devoted to company’ security, consolation, and satisfaction. And Wilderness Air provide greater than only a connection, flying fastidiously orchestrated circuits maximizing the time of company within the Okavango Delta. For instance, when shifting from one lodge to a different, you’ll by no means must backtrack through Maun and flight instances are at all times between 11 am and 4 pm, permitting you, as an illustration, a morning’s dreamy mokoro experience in a single lodge adopted by an adventurous afternoon sport drive in one other lodge.

Malaria is widespread within the northern elements of Botswana such because the Okavango Delta (the place Wilderness Vumbura Plains is situated) and Chobe areas, significantly throughout or after wet season from November to April. Medicines can be utilized to forestall the probabilities of contracting malaria. For recommendation on using any malaria prophylaxis, it’s essential contact the well being authorities or your native journey clinic previous to your travels. Along with any prophylactics, the next mitigation measures are really helpful: cowl your arms, legs and toes within the evenings and apply a mosquito repellent containing DEET.

MY VERDICT

Location: 10/10
Design: 8/10
Pool: 9/10 (solely personal plunge swimming pools)
Rooms: 9/10
Meals: 9/10
Breakfast: 8/10
Spa: 8/10 (solely in-room therapies)
Service: 10/10
Wow issue: 9/10
Worth for cash: 10/10
Total expertise: distinctive 9/10

TIPS FOR FUTURE GUESTS & SAVE MONEY

Itinerary tip: My actual itinerary with Wilderness in Botswana – which included a keep at Jao, Vumbura Plains and DumaTau safari camps – will be discovered right here (this web site additionally permits you to e-book the identical journey).

Lower your expenses: learn right here my suggestions for getting the most effective deal at a luxurious resort like Wilderness Vumbura Plains Camp (and/or obtain many free perks).

Learn my suggestions for getting ready your journey in time.

BEST TIME TO VISIT

Wilderness Vumbura Plains gives year-round safari actions. Whereas every season brings a novel enchantment, wildlife numbers are concentrated between June and October. These drier months additionally permit for seasonal sport drive alternatives.

The perfect time to go to the Okavango Delta is in the course of the dry season from June to September. Though known as the ‘dry season’, the water ranges of the Okavango Delta are at their highest level in these months because the flood waters are arriving from Angola, with animals flocking to the waters from the dry hinterland. That is additionally when many camps can provide water actions (e.g. boat rides, mokoro excursions). Going by the rule of thumb, water within the Delta begins to move in June (when it arrives from the Angolan Highlands), whereas by the top of August, a lot of the water has handed by way of the Delta and water ranges begin to drop once more.
In the summertime months (December to February), the temperatures are hovering and thundershowers are frequent. Throughout this time of the 12 months, some areas within the delta grow to be waterlogged, making street journey difficult and airstrips trickier to traverse. That stated, glorious sport viewing will be loved in the summertime months too, in the correct areas with good resident sport and everlasting water channels. Additionally, if you’re a birder, the most effective time to go to the Okavango Delta is usually in the course of the summer season months when the Okavango is bursting with resident and migratory birds.

HOW TO GET THERE

Wilderness Vumbura Plains can solely be accessed by gentle plane into the close by Jao Airstrip, which has each day flight connections with all different camps in Okavango, Linyanti, Maun Airport (which is the principle vacationer getaway to Botswana) and north to Kasane (for connections to Livingstone and Victoria Falls). Wilderness takes care of reserving all transfers and flight.

PHOTOS

Beneath is a choice of my pictures of Wilderness Vumbura Plains. To view extra pictures (together with meals and safari actions), click on right here.